Fortnum & Mason: A Royal Legacy and a Personal Tradition

In the early eighteenth century a serendipitous alliance began between Hugh Mason, proprietor of a modest grocery shop in London's St. James Market and William Fortnum, footman at the court of Queen Anne. In addition to his royal services, Fortnum also had a side hustle of collecting half-burned candlesticks at the palace, remelting them and selling them back to the ladies of the royal residence.  When Mason became Fortnum's landlord, it wasn't long before the market owner partnered with his clever and well-connected tenant. In 1707, they founded what would become one of Britain’s most iconic retailers: Fortnum & Mason.

For over three centuries, Fortnum & Mason has served royalty and tea aficionados alike, including our own Barb’s Tea Service. Though our relationship with this esteemed establishment spans a mere fifteen years, the connection was immediate—sealed with the first pour from one of their elegant silver teapots.

Daughter, Rachel, and son, Matt, experience Fortnum & Mason's teas, during our London visit, 2015.

Our inaugural visit took place in 2011, when I accompanied my daughter, Rachel, to London just before she began a six-week study abroad program at Regent’s College. Alongside visits to historic landmarks such as the Jane Austen House and Kensington Palace, we embarked on a grand tour of the city’s afternoon teas, with Fortnum & Mason as a highlight. (In retrospect, the itinerary I planned seems one that any typical twenty-one year old college student would dream of . . . or , alas, their mothers, But, happy to report, Rachel was a gracious companion throughout.)

Less than a year after our visit, Fortnum & Mason was selected as the venue for a landmark royal outing: Queen Elizabeth II, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, hosted an intimate tea for 150 guests. This event marked their first joint public appearance, further cementing Fortnum & Mason’s status as a symbol of British refinement. (For more, see BTS blog, March 2012: Fortnum and Mason visited by the Queen, Camilla, Catherine and Barb and Rachel 

Wedding tea gift wrapped & ready. Breakfast tea for us.

 

Since that memorable introduction, we’ve returned to Fortnum & Mason on several occasions. The tea department remains a favorite, where visitors are invited to sample blends by inhaling the aromas from open-lidded glass teapots that dot the display counters. Even when not in London, we continue to enjoy Fortnum & Mason teas at home, often purchasing them through our local Williams Sonoma. This week, while selecting their “Wedding” blend for a very special upcoming celebration, we also treated ourselves to the “Breakfast Blend”—a delightful way to elevate mornings in the Gulley household.

Whether serving a British monarch or a humble tea blogger, Fortnum & Mason offers all the royal treatment at teatime.

A final note: a 43-second video from our 2011 visit recently resurfaced via Facebook memories. Though Rachel is less inclined to speak in public settings than her mother, she gamely took on the role of videographer. Her steady hand and reserved laughter captured a moment we continue to cherish (with unreserved laughter).

Confident Communicators Podcast event: Barb's Tea Service honored to be part of the panel!

Carol & Rik D. of Confident Communicators/Toastmaster with BTS podcast team, Barb & Chris G.

 

This week, Barb's Tea Service Podcast team -  Barb and studio engineer/co-host/ arm candy, Chris Gulley - was invited to be part of a four-person panel discussion on launching a podcast hosted by Confident Communicators/Toastmasters. This public speaking chapter is located in Washington, Michigan and the long-time passion of good friends Rik and Carol Durling, who extended BTS an invitation to have a seat at the table and share podcasting tips.

So You Want to Start a Podcast 

Held in the elegant banquet facilities of Shelby Gardens, the event titled “So You Want to Host a Podcast” welcomed both in-person and online guests. Ray Rivaro served as emcee and panel moderator.  We were joined by fellow podcasters Lisa Swiftney and Faris Alami, who bring their voices to the Rochester business community and international entrepreneurs, respectively.

Chris, Rik and Ray setting up for the Toastmasters' event.

After an early morning tech set-up with equipment supplied by both the Durlings and ONTV Studios, attendees were greeted at the door and welcomed to early morning refreshments, including cider, doughnuts, bagels and some incredible home-baked scones. 

Podcasters assembling before guests arrive.

Ray kicked off the event at exactly 8:15, introducing the panel and opening the floor to questions from guests in both the well-appointed meeting room and those plugged in from various locations in the U.S. (and a few international folks as well).

BTS Podcast team share tips and trials.

Together with fellow podcasters, we shared tips on "taking the podcast plunge", technical concerns, start up costs, and local resources. Although we all had different target markets, formats and schedules, we shared common goals for making podcasts work:  consistency, authenticity and audience engagement.

And, with all that, we add an emphatic, have fun, too!

Chris and I admitted our first podcast was a bit stiff and awkward, but with the instruction and support of the great folks at ONTV Studios in Lake Orion, we got over one of the biggest podcast hurdles:  simply getting started. 

We were honored to be invited to this Toastmaster event and share our enthusiasm for this social medium that serves as a vehicle for businesses, special interests, education and entertainment. Our thanks to Confident Communicators for including BTS as panelists and to all the attendees who are pursuing a podcast of their own.

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site: A historical home in Buffalo where one can converse with - and become - president!

Talking to the 26th President via "Holo Ted" at Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site

If you could converse with a president from over a century ago, what would you ask? If you could be president for 15 minutes, what issues would you champion? At the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site in Buffalo, New York, visitors can do more than just speculate—they can actively engage with history through immersive technology and entertaining educational experiences.

Outside the Wilcox home, now a museum in Buffalo, NY

This week, we wrapped up our fall adventure to Niagara with travel companions Rik and Carol by visiting this historic home museum. After enjoying the Shaw Festival and the majesty of Horseshoe Falls, we stopped in Buffalo on our way home to soak in a few days of history and art. The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural House was first on our list (and twelfth on our BTS list of presidential sites*).

The library at the Wilcox home where Teddy Roosevelt took the oath of office.

Once the residence of Ansley Wilcox, a prominent lawyer and friend of Roosevelt, this grand home became a landmark in American history following the tragic death of President McKinley—shot at a public reception during the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo. Vice President Roosevelt was summoned back to the city, and upon his return, a member of McKinley’s Cabinet suggested he take the oath of office at Wilcox’s home, where he had recently been a guest. Roosevelt agreed, and on September 14, 1901, in the library of the Wilcox home, he became the 26th president of the United States.

Beautiful dining room set for an elegant repast.

Roosevelt’s presidency ushered in the Progressive Era, marked by trust-busting, consumer protection laws, and the expansion of the national park system. Today, the site of his inauguration is a museum and fittingly part of the National Park Service. We joined one of the afternoon tours, led by a knowledgeable docent who guided us through the elegant dining room and the historic library where Roosevelt took the oath. Then came a delightful surprise upstairs.

Here, we met “Holo Ted”—a life-sized reenactor hologram powered by AI. Standing in the corner of a back room, the projection of Teddy Roosevelt was ready to interact with visitors. Carol asked what he considered his greatest presidential achievement. He responded with those listed above —and, being a politician, added a few more for good measure.

Carol asks Roosevelt about his presidential accomplishments.

We were fortunate to be among the first to experience this captivating exhibit, as “Holo Ted” had only recently debuted at the site. Guests took turns asking questions, and Roosevelt answered each with personality and precision, embodying the spirit of the Bull Moose Party.

President Rik at the White House non-oval office. 

To top it off, we were invited back downstairs to a room designed to replicate Roosevelt’s White House office, a rectangular space, predating today’s iconic Oval Office. We were invited to sit in the presidential chair and select a cause to support. With my undergraduate degree in Political Science, it felt only natural to take a firm stand on the pressing issue of naming the family hamster.

As president, I set forth the official name of the family's hamster.

Our visit to the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site was thoroughly enjoyable, and we appreciate Carol adding it to the itinerary. As much as we got out of the museum, we can only imagine how inspiring it would be for young learners. Kudos to this historic home and museum—or, to borrow Roosevelt’s own phrase, “Bully for you!”

In a fun coincidence, exactly seven years earlier to the day (October 1st), we were in Canton, Ohio with my brother Ed and sister-in-law Sandy, visiting the McKinley Library and Museum. Blog story in the future! 

Seven years ago to the day, we visited the McKinley Library in Canton, OH.

* To date, we have visited eleven presidential homes/libraries. Although, this TR Inaugural Site is neither a presidential home nor a library, we add it to our list due to its tremendous historical significance and we have over thirty more to go!

We will remember, this month of September: Three teas, milestone podcast and a bounty of teacups!

Beautiful teacups gifted to BTS from a special guest, including "September" for a special month!

To borrow from the famous Earth, Wind & Fire song, we at Barb's Tea Service sing this revised chorus:

Ba-tea-ya
Say, we will remember
Ba-tea-ya
Lots of tea in September
Ba-tea-ya

Ending with a boun-tea day

September was truly memorable for BTS—a month brimming with three tea events, a milestone podcast, and a bounty of more than two dozen fine china teacups, ready to be filled with tea and treasured memories.

Barb G. and Carolyn S. with some of the packaged bounty.

At our final event of the month, Tea Customs Around the World at Birmingham’s Next, I had the pleasure of meeting a very special guest, Carolyn S. After the program, she shared the story of her teacup collection, lovingly built over the years with her mother and grandmother in Canada. Now preparing to downsize, Carolyn is seeking new homes for some of these cherished pieces. Like a matchmaking app come to life, she found a perfect connection between her beautiful teacups and an appreciative tea enthusiast—me. With great generosity, she offered her serving ware, and I figuratively (but enthusiastically) “swiped right.”

I "swiped right" to these teacups and couldn't wait to unpack.

This weekend, Carolyn presented me with a box brimming with treasures. I could hardly wait to unpack the English bone china and was greeted by a rainbow of colors and an array of designs. While many feature classic florals, others stand out with unique patterns, including a needlework motif and a tartan tribute. Each bears a name synonymous with quality—Royal Albert, Royal Grafton, Colclough, and more.

A great teacup for this month where BTS celebrated its 50th podcast.

One cup in particular recalls our 50th podcast earlier this month, featuring our five-time guest, Rob G.—a gold 50th anniversary teacup. We’ll save that one for our second 50th (also known as our 100th) and any other five-times-ten celebration that comes along.

And, of course, front and center is a September teacup, perfectly capturing the spirit of this month of milestones.

Fine bone china in a variety of colors and patterns, waiting to make more memories throughout the year.

We will never forget this event-filled September—or the generous gift of teacups that will continue to create memories throughout the year.

With heartfelt gratitude, a warm hug, and endless thanks to Carolyn for this beautiful bounty of teacups!

What's Next for Barb's Tea Service? Tea Customs Around the World!

Barb G. of BTS with Pam Hall, Program Director at Birmingham's Next

As we near a record number of tea events for the year and wrap up our September tea talks, Barb's Tea Service was ready for its next adventure—at Birmingham's welcoming community hub, Next.

This marked our third visit to this gracious venue (fun fact: it’s just a stone’s throw from Seaholm High School, my alma mater from “many” years ago!). This time, we brought a fresh topic to the tea table: Tea Customs Around the World.

Next provided festive goodie bags for attendees.

Tea Around the World in one hour!

                             

In under sixty minutes, we journeyed back 4,000 years to ancient China, where the first cup of tea was sipped and savored. From there, we followed tea’s path across continents—through Asia, Europe, and Africa—and explored its slow but steady rise in popularity in the United States.

Barb and Pam at Birmingham's Next.

Joined by BTS team member Pam B., we were once again warmly welcomed by Pam Hall, Program Director at Next. Pam H. went above and beyond with meeting prep, festive room décor, and delightful goodie bags for all attendees.

Before the program, guests finding their seats, including Carol M. (far right).

We were thrilled to reconnect with cherished tea friends—Carol M., Kim and her mother Gail, our neighbor Clay—and send a special "Hello!" to tea hostess extraordinaire, Rosemary. We also had the pleasure of meeting new friends, many of whom shared their own family tea traditions and brought along some truly special tea cups.

Kim, along with her mom, Gail, have attended many BTS programs. Always a delight to see them!

As we shared stories from our travels to China, India, and Europe—with tea cups in hand—it was a fabulous afternoon filled with warmth, culture, and connection. A heartfelt thank you to the staff and guests who made it so memorable.

We're looking forward to our Next time! 

Barb's Tea Service is already looking forward to our Next time!

Celebrating Downton Abbey at Lyon Township Public Library

 

BTS team setting up Downton Abby-inspired tea talk at Lyon Township Public Library

Just over a week after our last Downton Abbey tea talk—and only days following the premiere of the final film in the trilogy—Barb's Tea Service returned to celebrate the closing chapter of the Crawley family saga at the Lyon Township Public Library. Once again, we were warmly welcomed by the exceptional LTPL staff, including Community Relations Specialist Mercedes Krebs, and a room full of gracious, engaged guests.

BTS was invited & welcomed by Mercedes Krebs, LTPL's Community Relations Specialist

Joined by BTS team member Pam B., it was our first visit to LTPL. While setting up, we were treated to serene views of Lake Angela, which provided a picturesque backdrop to the meeting room and set the tone for a charming evening.

Scones, cookies and tea were provided by LTPL with buffet table views overlooking the lake. 

A lively crowd of more than thirty Downton Abbey enthusiasts gathered, enjoying tea, scones, and cookies generously provided by the library. Many guests arrived in festive and elegant attire—some ready for a formal dinner, others dressed for a cozy tea time—but all brought delightful energy and enthusiasm.

Library friends, two of which immediately recognized my Herend porcelain tea cup.

Two guests, including LeAnne, recognized my cherished tea cup as Herend porcelain (yes, there’s a Downton Abbey connection!). One is a collector of fine china, and the other has family ties to Hungary, where Herend originated.

Dressed in fun and fancy attire accessorized with a twisted beaded necklace and pretty fascinator.

Following our tea talk, we were treated to stories from attendees about their travels to England and their shared love for Downton Abbey. Although Pam and I had already seen Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, we kept our promise of no spoilers—only sharing that we thoroughly enjoyed it.

BTS thoroughly enjoyed our evening at Lyon Township Public Library.

While LTPL is set to move to a new location in 2026, we truly cherished our evening in this lakeview venue. Heartfelt thanks to the LTPL team and all the wonderful guests who joined us for a memorable night steeped in tea and Downton charm.

Celebrating Downton Abbey at Lincoln Township Public Library

Downton Abbey Tea at LTPL with librarian Amy N. and BTS' Barb G.

 

The final chapter of the Downton Abbey movie trilogy premieres today, and at Barb's Tea Service, we’re celebrating all month long. We kicked off the festivities earlier this week with an unforgettable evening at the Lincoln Township Public Library, joined by an exceptional group of guests.

At the invitation of librarian—and baker extraordinaire—Amy Nolan, we hosted a Downton Abbey-inspired tea talk for over thirty attendees. Many brought their favorite teacups, each with a charming backstory that added a personal touch to the gathering.

The library served tea along with cookies and scones with jam and clotted cream.

Nestled in Stevensville on Michigan’s west side, just five minutes from St. Joseph, the Lincoln Township Public Library welcomed us with warmth and hospitality. Though Stevensville is a three-hour drive from Detroit, we felt instantly at home. With help from BTS podcast co-host (and husband), Chris, we seamlessly set up and settled in.

Setting up before the tea.

BTS Podcast Co-host, Chris,  helps plug us in.

The library itself is as delightful as its patrons, featuring a cozy fireplace, a beverage station, and a whimsical children’s section complete with a cabin for indoor and outdoor play.

For the evening’s refreshments, the library treated guests to shortbread cookies and cream scones— prepared by Amy Nolan—served with preserves, clotted cream, and a selection of teas. Barb’s Tea Service sent everyone home with a tea-at-home goodie bag and a Downton Abbey-inspired scone recipe card.

BTS provided "tea-at-home" goodie bags.

Sans group photo, but still great memories.

Our only regret? Amid the excitement and travel, we forgot to take a group photo. But the memories will remain, especially of the guests who stayed after the program to share stories of family, travel, and their own Downton Abbey connections.

The LTPL - a great place to begin our DA celebration.

 

As we eagerly await the Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale this weekend, we couldn’t have imagined a more perfect way to begin our month of celebration than with the wonderful team and attendees at Lincoln Township Public Library.